Navy deactivates two illegal refining sites in Rivers, recovers 34,000 litres of diesel

The Nigerian Navy has dismantled two illegal refining sites in Rivers State and recovered about 34,000 litres of potentially illicitly refined diesel. Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, announced this in an operational report on Sunday. The operation took place on Friday near the Ohaji area of Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, as the Navy strives to prevent the re-establishment of illegal refining facilities in the region.

Naval Ship NNS PATHFINDER detected and deactivated the two illegal sites during the operation. The team collected around 34,000 litres of products believed to be illegally manufactured Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), often referred to as diesel, kept in trenches, bags, and reservoirs. Folorunsho explained that the operation was part of ongoing efforts by the Navy to stop illegal refining infrastructure from being rebuilt in the area.

He added that persistent naval actions have contributed to a decrease in the reactivation of illegal refining sites in the general region. The identified sites, seized products, and related items were handled according to established anti-crude oil theft protocols. No arrests were made because the suspected operators disappeared before the naval team arrived.

Folorunsho emphasized the Navy's dedication to intelligence-led operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to curb crude oil theft and illegal refining activities. The latest action is part of a broader series of Navy interventions targeting illegal refining and petroleum distribution networks in Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta.

In February, naval personnel apprehended the MV Amukpoye, which was carrying 180 tonnes of suspected illegally sourced diesel, and arrested eight suspects. The Navy has also made other arrests in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta as security agencies intensify their efforts to curb crude oil theft and illegal refining. Nigeria's crude oil output is projected to surpass 1.7 million barrels per day (mbpd) in the second half of 2026, thanks to reduced crude oil theft, enhanced pipeline security, and increased upstream investments, according to the Nigeria Economic Summit Group's 2026 Half-Year Outlook Report.

The Nigerian Petroleum Uniqueness and Protection Regulation Commission (NUPRC) reported that Nigeria has 37.01 billion barrels of crude oil and natural gas reserves, totaling 215.19 trillion cubic feet of natural gas as of January 1, 2026. Nigeria aims to achieve 3 million barrels per day of crude oil production by 2030. The persistent security operations aim to safeguard crude oil production, minimize losses due to theft and illegal refining, and support legitimate activities in Nigeria's petroleum industry.